A Small World

May 28, 2006 Leave a comment

I always wonder how American is able to identify their own country mates in a foreign land. I mean, especially in China, you see lots of "Ang Mohs" on the street. Is there any difference between an English, American, Australian and German? They are all "white skin" and coloured eyes… How is it possible to identify that "Ang Moh" is an American and the other "Ang Moh" is an Australian? Perhaps by their accents and slang.
 
Yet, I am always amazed by the power of the Singapore Identity. Consider it is really difficult to tell the difference between a Singaporean Chinese and Mainland China Chinese… We Singaporeans have distinctive accents and behaviour…From far, within 10m range, you are able to detect them.  
 
It is not that I dislike associating myself with my country mates in a foreign land. But most of the time, I am not too impressed by my first impression of them… You see, Singaporeans are a bunch of proud and arrogant metrocrates.. We displayed an distinctive atttitude… Some coined it "Ugly Singaporean"… I call it the "Uniquely Singaporeans".
 
On the streets of Shanghai…it is so easy to catch a Singaporean. Usually, they like comparing standards…For examples: "ai yo…their people so dirty one…so messy, so little trees…" or "Wah lau, China cars like to horn so much…damn noisy and rude leh!"… or "soooooo cheap! back home, this item cost more!"
 
Lately, it is getting difficult not to bump into a Singaporean…especially along Huai Hai Lu and Nanjing Lu. From sight, you can tell a few things about a Singaporean tourist:
 
1) Waist Pouch
2) Bermudas with sandals
3) Digital Cameras
4) BCG scars on their arms
5) Fancy glasses
 
Yesterday, I was dining with Felicia in a very remote dining outlet. Just when I was ordering my food, I overheard a familiar slang… I whispered to Felicia and sighed,  "Dear…got Singaporean again…on your right, sigh…Man, Singaporeans are everywhere!" (My common casual remarks)
 
Felicia looked at that man and suddenly exclaimed (with a grin on her face) "Dear…i think that singaporean is Duuk’s best man!"
 
I turned and stared at that man for 5 seconds… I called out "JOHN?" At first, he didn’t responded.. He slowly turned his head around and we looked at each other for like 2-3 seconds before he recognised me.
 
"Joe!????"
 
What a damn small world! Of all places, I met Duuk’s buddy at the most unlikely place! Of course, we traded our telephone number and news about one another… (See photo). It is just so unbelievable and unreal… Duuk told me about his friend "John" in Shanghai but Duuk has never given me his contact.
 
Man, now I am seeing Singaporean i know on a foreign soil! Are you sure there are only 4 million collectible citizens like me? (Of course, I am happy to meet a familiar face… but what’s the chances like? In 10 billion?)
 
After dinner, I made up my mind and told Feli this:
 
"Dear, maybe I am going to reconsider the option of getting a girlfriend in Shanghai… Man, it is just too risky too…cos’ China is just too small liao"
 

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